SACRAMENTO – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi tonight issued the following statement following the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy:

“Patti and I mourn the death of our beloved friend and mentor. Our prayers go out to his wife Vickie, his children, First Lady Maria Shriver, the Governor and the entire Kennedy family. The nation and the world have lost a leader with unparalleled passion for social justice and equality. His legacy will live on in the many lives and hearts he touched, and they will carry the flame of justice and service forward.”